Chavan-led delegation to meet PM, CEC over hailstorm aid

A ministerial delegation led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan will meet the Prime Minister and the Chief Election Commissioner to discuss grant of higher financial compensation to farmers affected by hailstorms in the state.
The decision was taken at the special cabinet meeting which was chaired by Chavan after his two-day tour of the affected areas.
There has been a large scale damage to crops in 23 districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada due to hailstorms.
The state government was told by the Election Commission that only the chief secretary can make announcement regarding relief as model code of conduct for Lok Sabha elections is in force.

Given the extent of damage, there is a demand for higher than usual compensation, between Rs 25,000 to 50,000 per hectare.